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CNN Saturday Morning News
A look at Hostage Situation in Khobar, Saudi Arabia; Pat Tillman's Death Was Likely Caused by Friendly Fire
Aired May 29, 2004 - 09:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you. This is CNN SATURDAY MORNING. I'm Betty Nguyen.
DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: I'm Drew Griffin. Good morning. If you're just waking up on the West Coast, friends, it's early 6:00 a.m. there. Thanks for starting your day with us.
Here's what's we have coming up this hour, the latest on the hostage situation in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, following a deadly attack on an oil company by gunmen suspected of being linked to al Qaeda.
NGUYEN: Also ahead, the Pentagon is expected to reveal disturbing new information about the death of Pat Tillman, the former football pro recently killed in Afghanistan. Plus...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
This is something I'm proud of, and I hope the people of the United States will enjoy this.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GRIFFIN: It's graduation day at West Point. We are waiting for Donald Rumsfeld, the defense secretary, to make his remarks to the 935 graduates there. As you see, a live picture from West Point as the festivities begin.
And six decades after World War II, a generation of warriors finally (UNINTELLIGIBLE). A live report from the dedication site is ahead.
But first, here's what's happening at this hour.
NGUYEN: Word just in, an American is among six people killed in an attack today at an oil facility in Saudi Arabia. A senior Saudi official says wanted militants with ties to al Qaeda were behind the attack in Khobar. Those attackers are now barricaded in a building with an unknown number of hostages. Sources say the attackers were dressed in Saudi police uniforms. We'll have more in just a moment.
Pakistan test-fired a ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads today. The government says the missile has a range of 932 miles. Pakistan notified its neighbors, including India, prior to that test. Last year Pakistan and India conducted a series of missile tests, raising fears of a heightened arms race on the sub- Asian continent.
At least 20 aftershocks have followed a powerful earthquake in northern Iran. The 6.3 magnitude quake left at least 45 people dead, many by landslides in the mountainous villages. Authorities say more than 200 people have been injured.
GRIFFIN: The Pentagon says former football star Pat Tillman was likely killed by friendly fire. Tillman quit football to join the U.S. Army's Rangers shortly after the September 11 attacks. He was killed April 22 in Afghanistan. Two other coalition soldiers injured in the same firefight. Tillman was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for heroism. We are awaiting the Army's news conference from Fort Bragg this morning on the investigation. We're going to bring that to you live when it happens.
NGUYEN: A developing story now that we are following this morning. Killing and hostage-taking in Saudi Arabia, and confirmation now that one American is among six people killed by a group of gunmen. The drama is still playing out at this hour.
And joining us live from London with the details is Caroline Faraj, editor of cnnarabic.com. What do you know so far?
CAROLINE FARAJ, EDITOR, CNNARABIC.COM: Well, yes, indeed, Betty.
We just confirmed right now from the U.S. embassy in Riyadh that one of the victims, he's American national, and they did not also rule out that maybe some of the hostages or even some of the people who are still, you know, missing in the area could be also Americans.
As you just mentioned, still the shooting is taking place, and there are some reports coming from Khobar that the U.S., the Saudi forces are storming the compound, that they believe that the militants, they're taking some hostages from different nationalities. No clear numbers, no nationalities are still known to us, and we're still waiting to hear from the Saudi, Betty.
NGUYEN: What's being done right now to try to get those hostages released?
FARAJ: They're basically trying to negotiate, in a way, but they're -- the Saudis are saying that they're not really going to negotiate fully with them, and they're seeking, they're asking them and calling on them to release the hostages, and also to surrender. So they're trying to make sure that this is going to happen, that, and everybody will be released safe.
However, they also blocked the whole area, they surrounded the whole area, and they are blocking it from anybody to go in or outside the compound. And they're also preparing themselves for all possibilities, because eyewitnesses are confirming to us, Betty, that ambulances are there, and everybody is waiting to hear something.
As on the other hand, the storming, everybody is saying that they can hear it, because the journalists and the locals are -- were asked to go away and to be far away from the location. So nobody is able to confirm that they saw the storming of this compound, but they said that they managed to hear it.
NGUYEN: Of course, this is a developing story that we will continue to follow closely. Caroline Faraj in London this morning, thank you.
Attorney General John Ashcroft and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge say their agencies are working hand in hand. On Wednesday, they offered some conflicting assessments of the potential for a major terrorist attack on U.S. soil as early as this summer. Now, Ashcroft and Ridge have released this joint statement.
Quoting here, "We are entering a season of symbolic events that could be attractive targets for terrorism. In the months to come, we will hold significant national celebrations, host important international meetings, and conduct our democratic political process leading to our elections. Credible intelligence from multiple sources indicates that al Qaeda plans to attempt an attack on the United States during this period."
GRIFFIN: Now the latest in Iraq, where there's been more bloodshed and fighting today in Kirkuk, unknown assailants shooting and killing the fire chief there and three of his family members. Meanwhile, a shaky truce is in place, but fighting continues in Najaf.
Our Harris Whitbeck is live in Baghdad with details on all of this. Harris?
HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Drew.
A day after the name of the man who will become Iraq's new interim prime minister was announced, a lot of concerns on the job that he and his fellow cabinet members will face, security being one of the top concerns.
And residents of the Iraqi capital were reminded of that this morning when two mortars went off near the green zone at the ministry of housing and construction. That was near the Assassins Gate entrance to the green zone, which, as you know, also houses the headquarters for the Coalition Provisional Authority.
Four people were injured during that attack. Two of those injured were security guards.
Meanwhile, there was more fighting around the area surrounding the holy city of Najaf, which, as you know, has been the scene of sometimes intense fighting over the last several weeks. The fighting today comes days after a ceasefire had been put in place there, after Muqtada al-Sadr, the radical Shi'ite cleric whose militiamen had been fighting U.S. forces, pledged to withdraw his militiamen from the holy city if U.S. forces withdrew as well.
Now, the United States has said it would halt all offensive operations near Najaf, but said that it would continue to exercise its right to self-defense. Some of the heaviest fighting around that area today happened near the holy city of Kufa, which is the religious base, if you will, of Muqtada al-Sadr's, Drew.
GRIFFIN: I want to ask you about this, Harris, because one of the big question is whether Muqtada al-Sadr does have control over the gunmen who claim to be under his power. Are they concerned now that even though Sadr agrees to a ceasefire, if you will, that he has no control to stop it?
WHITBECK: Well, U.S. military officials here still are holding out hope that the ceasefire will hold, and their read on this is that it's taken a few days for the word to get out to all of the militiamen, that there is, in fact, in fact a ceasefire in effect.
But officials in Kufa, particularly today, were saying that the city itself was full of militiamen. So it is still unclear on whether the word of the ceasefire has simply not reached them, or whether, as you say, Muqtada al-Sadr does not have full control over those armed forces.
GRIFFIN: Harris Whitbeck in Baghdad this morning. Thank you for that.
We head to Washington now, where a grateful nation says thank you to the heroes of World War II, the declaration of this new memorial on the National Mall.
Our Elaine Quijano joins us live with more on the festivities taking place there. Elaine?
ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Drew.
People are starting to trickle in here on the National Wall. Some 140,000 people are expected for this dedication ceremony.
Now, this memorial is really the culmination of 17 years of work. It began when a World War II veteran asked his Ohio congresswoman 17 years ago why there was no national World War II memorial. Well, that began what would prove to be a very long and complicated process of raising money, settling on a design, and choosing a location.
And along the way, former senator Bob Dole got involved, becoming the chairman of the national memorial. He enlisted the help of actor- director Tom Hanks.
Now, the memorial itself pays tribute to the 16 million men and women who served during World War II, as well as the civilians who made their own sacrifices here in the U.S., rationing food and supplies, all as a part of the war effort. More than 400,000 Americans were killed during World War II.
And now, some 60 years later, the aging veterans who have seen this memorial come to fruition consider themselves lucky.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) JOHN ROE, WORLD WAR II VETERAN: Well, we think it's pretty special, because of the fact that there's 1,100 of us passing away every day, and pretty soon there won't be any World War II people. Even to finally get the World War II memorial, I guess we didn't miss it. We didn't raise the devil about it ever. Nobody did for all of those years. But here, we're happy to be here. And the mere fact of being here for the dedication to us is great.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
QUIJANO: Now, President Bush, his father, and former president Clinton are all set to be on hand for the dedication ceremony. Security, as you might imagine, is extremely tight. Some 1,000 law enforcement officers are patrolling the area, as well as some undercover officers.
Now, this morning there will be an interfaith service at the National Cathedral here in Washington, D.C., that's set to take place in about an hour. And then the dedication itself is to get under way in about five hours, Drew.
GRIFFIN: Elaine, thank you. And a reminder that we will bring you live coverage of the World War II memorial dedication. It will be hosted by CNN's Paula Zahn. That's at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, 11 a.m. Pacific.
Plus, an exclusive interview with former president George Herbert Walker Bush. So keep it right here on CNN.
NGUYEN: The memorial has been a labor of love for many people, and coming up, we'll introduce you to one woman who turned her own painful loss into a passionate campaign for this monument.
GRIFFIN: And later, remembering the unknown soldiers lost in World War II. We'll look back in The Novak Zone coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning once again. I'm Rob Marciano on the CNN Weather Center. We expect an act, act, active day right in this part of the country, tornadoes likely later on today. We'll talk more about that in just a few minutes. Drew?
GRIFFIN: Thanks, Rob.
Gas prices and tempers on the rise as motorists try to cope with the costs at the pump. We're going to get a taste of the furor over fuel later on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: This is also a day to remember the families who lost loved ones in World War II. Phyllis Chickie Shields was 5 years old when she learned her father die in the South Pacific. She and members of the American World War II Orphans Network raised thousands of dollars toward construction of the memorial. Chickie Shields Berry joins us live from the National Mall.
Thanks for being with us today.
CHICKIE SHIELDS BERRY, AMERICAN WORLD WAR II ORPHANS NETWORK: Oh, thank you. It's great to be here.
NGUYEN: And what a day it is. You have raised $41,000 for this occasion. Why was it so important to you?
BERRY: Well, obviously, we needed a way to honor our fathers, and we thought this was the best way to do it.
NGUYEN: In standing there looking at it today, what kind of memories does it bring back for you?
BERRY: Well, I haven't really seen the whole memorial yet, but I'm anticipating seeing the wall of gold stars. Those stars represent the war dead, and those stars represent our fallen fathers.
NGUYEN: And those stars are, were an idea that originated from you. Correct?
BERRY: Well, no, not exactly. Our founder, Ann Mix (ph), really wanted something significant to represent our fallen fathers, and she, among others, suggested that stars be incorporated into the final design, and we're very grateful that that happened.
NGUYEN: And those stars are so symbolic. When you look at those stars, have you had a chance to see them today so far?
BERRY: No, I haven't you, and I'm sure I'll be very emotional when I see them.
NGUYEN: Absolutely. Tell us a little bit about your father.
BERRY: Well, my dad -- World War II was not his first war. He served in World War I as well. He was a very, very young man, he was only 14. And during the two wars, he was a professional musician, and then joined the National Guard. And when the Guard was called up, of course, he went with the rest of the men to the South Pacific.
NGUYEN: And being a World War II orphan, that has affected you in so many ways. You've teamed up with others. How has that group been a sense of support for you?
BERRY: Well, I think my husband, who knows me very well, would be the first to say that it's probably one of the most significant events in my life. I didn't really know much about my dad, even though I knew basically of his family, but didn't have much contact with them, and through the affiliation with American World War II Orphans Network, not only have I had a closer relationship to my father's family, but I've been able to meet some of the men that he served with, some of the band members.
And it's just been an amazing experience. NGUYEN: I imagine you've learned valuable information from them about your father.
BERRY: I have, and also through research at National Personnel Records Center and having files reconstructed. I have learned, basically, the details of his death, his service and his death, and although difficult to hear, it's better knowing than not knowing, or just guessing.
NGUYEN: Absolutely. Chicky Shields Berry, we thank you for your time today.
BERRY: Well, thank you very much. I appreciate it.
NGUYEN: We want to go now -- Sure.
To Drew at the desk with some latest on Pat Tillman.
GRIFFIN: Actually, right to a news conference in Fort Bragg on Pat Tillman and his death, now being attributed to friendly fire.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: -- as a result of friendly fire while his unit was engaged in combat with enemy forces.
The results of this investigation in no way diminish the bravery and sacrifice displayed by Corporal Tillman. Corporal Tillman was shot and killed while responding to enemy fire without regard to his own safety. He focused his efforts on the elimination of enemy forces and the protection of his team members.
There is an inherent danger of confusion in any firefight, particularly when a unit is ambushed, and especially under difficult light and terrain conditions, which produce an environment that increases the likelihood of fratricide.
Corporal Tillman's platoon was ambushed with small arms and mortar fire at about 7:30 p.m. local time while conducting combat operations in the vicinity of Kalst (ph), Afghanistan. The enemy ambush was immediately responded to by a coalition patrol, including Corporal Tillman, with direct fire, and an intense firefight lasting approximately 20 minutes ensued.
The ambush was conducted by 10 to 12 enemy personnel from multiple locations over approximately 1 kilometer in very severe and constricted terrain with impaired light conditions.
Following initial contact, Corporal Tillman disembarked from his vehicle and, in support of his unit, moved into position to suppress enemy fire.
We regret the loss of life resulting from this tragic incident. Our thoughts and our prayers remain with the Tillman family.
Thank you for being here this morning.
GRIFFIN: It's a live news conference from Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Pat Tillman, April 22, died in Afghanistan, and now we are learning this morning that his death is being attributed to being shot by one of his own in a confusing firefight after an ambush.
Now we go to the West Point, the U.S. military academy, where Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld will give the commencement address to the graduates of the military academy this year.
(INTERRUPTED BY A LIVE EVENT)
NGUYEN: Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld speaking to some 935 cadets at West Point who are graduating today. He did speak of America's resolve to win the war on terror, but he did not mention the prisoner abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib. We understand of these cadets, 80 percent of them will be headed for duty overseas. They are the newest second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.
GRIFFIN: We'll be right back after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: On this Memorial Day weekend, President Bush will speak to the men and women who served in World War II. That will happen this afternoon at the dedication of the World War II memorial.
CNN's Frank Buckley joins us now with more on the president's day. Hi, Frank.
FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Betty.
In fact, two President Bushes will appear at the dedication ceremony today, the current sitting president, the 43rd president of the United States, President George W. Bush, and the 41st president, George H.W. Bush, his father, will also be present at the dedication ceremony, according to the White House.
The former president, of course, is a World War II veteran himself. He flew 58 combat missions, was shot down in the Pacific theater ultimately.
The current president will offer remarks at the dedication ceremony today. He's expected to pay tribute to those who died and all of the 16 million people who served. He'll also talk about how the attack on Pearl Harbor changed the United States.
The White House also releases a radio address from the president today. It will also talk about the World War II memorial and the generation who fought World War II, along with touching on the new generation of people serving in combat zones today.
Tomorrow the president will go with Mrs. Bush to the Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns, as the nation marks Memorial Day, Betty.
NGUYEN: A weekend honoring so many veterans. All right, Frank Buckley at the White House today, thank you. GRIFFIN: Many people will visit Arlington National Cemetery this Memorial Day weekend. Sergeant First Class Richard Schuck is the sergeant of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and he takes time out to join CNN's Bob Novak in The Novak Zone.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Forward march!
ROBERT NOVAK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Welcome to The Novak Zone. We're at the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, near the Tomb of the Unknowns.
We're talking to the sergeant of the guard of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, the Old Guard, Sergeant First Class Richard Schuck of Madison, Ohio.
First, some basic questions, Sergeant Schuck. What is the mission ever the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment?
SGT. FIRST CLASS RICHARD SCHUCK, U.S. ARMY: The mission of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment is to perform ceremonial missions, to support anything that the military might need us to do at a moment's notice here in the national capital region for deploy soldiers and support of any missions that are going on in the world.
NOVAK: And this includes, of course, guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns. Tell us a little bit about this. This was started in 1921?
SCHUCK: We guard the unknowns here. It's a symbolic. The tomb is symbolic to soldiers that have died in war. There's been four identified soldiers who've been placed in the tomb or crypts. There is three identified remains that remain there at this time.
My soldiers maintain constant vigil over this national shrine, 365 days a year, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
NOVAK: How often is the guard changed here?
SCHUCK: Currently, during the summer and fall, we change the guard every 30 minutes. In the winter, we change the guard every hour.
NOVAK: Now, sergeant, at Buckingham Palace, there's a tradition that the guards there, with their high headdresses, very stiff, that the tourists try to get them to smile or laugh, make faces at them. Do you have any of that experience with the tourists here at Arlington Cemetery?
SCHUCK: Yes. That does happen here. Some of the children are just uneducated and don't know that the sentinels will not talk to them. Matter of fact, a few days ago some of the children were trying to kick cicadas out on the plaza to try to taunt some of the sentinels that were guarding the unknowns.
NOVAK: Do you get a lot of tourists on Memorial Day weekend, is that a big time?
SCHUCK: Definitely. The influx of visitors around Memorial Day weekend, it's definitely increased. A lot of veterans, a lot of school groups. As you know, the World War II memorial is being dedicated this weekend, so it's bringing a lot of World War II veterans to the area.
NOVAK: Sergeant, every year you have a ceremony called Flags In. What is that? Can you explain that to us?
SCHUCK: Mr. Novak, Flags In is something that has been performed here in Arlington Cemetery since 1948. The Thursday prior to Memorial Day every year, there is a flag placed, one foot-length away from the headstone of every soldier who is laid to rest in the cemetery.
NOVAK: How many is that, sergeant?
SCHUCK: I don't know the specific number, Mr. Novak, but it's somewhere around 290,000.
NOVAK: Now what are the requirements to be a member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment of the Old Guard?
SCHUCK: Some of the requirements to be a member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry are, you must be an infantryman or work in a MOS that is -- supports regiment. You must volunteer. You must be approximately five-10 or above, and you must be willing to go the extra mile to serve here in the 3rd U.S. Infantry.
NOVAK: Last year there was a severe hurricane, Isabel, and there was some question about whether the guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns would remain. Can you tell us about that?
SCHUCK: I can't tell you a lot about what happened during Hurricane Isabel. I wasn't actually assigned down here there. I've read a lot and inquired about kind of what happened. And the only thing I really know is, I know the sentinels down here would never leave their post.
NOVAK: Now matter how bad the...
SCHUCK: No matter how bad the conditions are. They have special and general orders, and they will abide by them.
NOVAK: Now, can the, sergeant, can the members of the U.S. Infantry, 3rd U.S. Infantry, be assigned to overseas duty or combat duty?
SCHUCK: Yes, sir. We are here to support the ceremonial missions in the national capital region. And we also are here to support the global war on terrorism.
NOVAK: Are there any members of your unit serving overseas at the present time?
SCHUCK: Yes. We have approximately a company-size element that is supporting the global war on terrorism.
NOVAK: And now, the big question for Sergeant First Class Richard Schuck.
Sergeant, there has been reports of a crack that is growing yearly in the Tomb of the Unknowns. Can you tell us what's being done about that?
SCHUCK: Yes, Mr. Novak. There is a crack that runs around the -- 360 degrees around the tomb. The same company that produced what you see to your front is -- they are looking for a same identical piece to replace the tomb in the future.
NOVAK: Sergeant Richard Schuck, thank you very much.
SCHUCK: Thank you, Mr. Novak.
NOVAK: And thank you for being in The Novak Zone. Happy Memorial Day weekend.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: "ON THE STORY" is coming up next. We want to get a preview now of what's ahead with Dana Bash in Washington. Good morning.
DANA BASH, "ON THE STORY": Good morning, Betty.
We're "ON THE STORY" from here in Washington, to New York, to Los Angeles. Elaine Quijano is down at the World War II memorial, and can tell us what's happening there, and at a special service at the National Cathedral. Barbara Starr has the latest on Iraq. I'll be talking about the president working hard to explain his Iraq strategy and reaching out again to other countries. And entertainment correspondent Sibila Vargas talks about the blockbuster of the weekend, "The Day After Tomorrow."
That's all coming up "ON THE STORY," Betty.
NGUYEN: Looking forward to it. All right, thank you, Dana.
GRIFFIN: Let's take a quick look at weather with Rob Marciano. The weather's been good so far in Washington, D.C., Rob.
MARCIANO: Yes, it should be a beautiful day today and tomorrow as well. Much of the Northeast looking really nice. Cool, and blue sky, little bit of a breeze in spots today, especially, say, in Boston.
Also nice on the West Coast. In between, though, tornadoes are going to be heading in through the Plains, and I think today's going to be a very, very busy day, in the afternoon especially.
Warm and humid across the South. I mentioned the cool and breezy conditions across the Northeast. There were a few thunderstorms that fired up overnight, some of which have been severe across parts of northern Iowa. Thankfully, now they're pushing into southern Wisconsin. But these contain heavy rain and gusty winds. They don't need any more rain in Iowa, and unfortunately there'll probably be more thunderstorms that fire up in that part of the world later on this afternoon.
Couple of showers from, say, Montgomery, Alabama, into Atlanta. Shouldn't see a whole lot of action across the Southeast. Most of it's going to be across this area. We do have warm, humid air coming in from the South and the Gulf of Mexico, dry air from Mexico itself, cold, dry air coming down from the intermountains, and the Canadian provinces, and then a strong jet stream.
So this area, from just north of Dallas, through Oklahoma City, in through Kansas City, is where we'll probably see thunderstorms develop with tornadoes, which could be some strong ones, much like we saw earlier in the week. We could see as many as 60, 70, maybe even 80 tornadoes break out later on today. So we'll be active.
Back to you guys in the studio.
NGUYEN: Kind of a dicey day out there. All right. Thank you, Rob.
MARCIANO: Yes.
GRIFFIN: We're going to check on our update our top stories this morning.
Just minutes ago, the Army announcing that friendly fire likely killed former pro football player Pat Tillman. Tillman killed during an ambush in Afghanistan. That was in April.
There's late word this morning that an American is among the six people killed in a shooting rampage in Saudi Arabia. Gunmen attacked an oil company compound in the eastern city of Khobar. The attackers are now barricaded in that compound with an unspecified number of hostages. Some of them could be Americans.
NGUYEN: There is plenty more ahead here on CNN. Up next, it's "ON THE STORY." At 11:00, "PEOPLE IN THE NEWS" profiles Academy Award winner actor Tom Hanks, and one of the world's most famous preachers, Billy Graham. At noon Eastern, "CNN LIVE SATURDAY" with more on today's dedication of the World War II memorial from Washington, D.C.
GRIFFIN: Thanks for joining us. We hope you have a pleasant Saturday, and we'll see you back here again tomorrow.
NGUYEN: "ON THE STORY" is next.
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Aired May 29, 2004 - 09:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you. This is CNN SATURDAY MORNING. I'm Betty Nguyen.
DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: I'm Drew Griffin. Good morning. If you're just waking up on the West Coast, friends, it's early 6:00 a.m. there. Thanks for starting your day with us.
Here's what's we have coming up this hour, the latest on the hostage situation in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, following a deadly attack on an oil company by gunmen suspected of being linked to al Qaeda.
NGUYEN: Also ahead, the Pentagon is expected to reveal disturbing new information about the death of Pat Tillman, the former football pro recently killed in Afghanistan. Plus...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
This is something I'm proud of, and I hope the people of the United States will enjoy this.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GRIFFIN: It's graduation day at West Point. We are waiting for Donald Rumsfeld, the defense secretary, to make his remarks to the 935 graduates there. As you see, a live picture from West Point as the festivities begin.
And six decades after World War II, a generation of warriors finally (UNINTELLIGIBLE). A live report from the dedication site is ahead.
But first, here's what's happening at this hour.
NGUYEN: Word just in, an American is among six people killed in an attack today at an oil facility in Saudi Arabia. A senior Saudi official says wanted militants with ties to al Qaeda were behind the attack in Khobar. Those attackers are now barricaded in a building with an unknown number of hostages. Sources say the attackers were dressed in Saudi police uniforms. We'll have more in just a moment.
Pakistan test-fired a ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads today. The government says the missile has a range of 932 miles. Pakistan notified its neighbors, including India, prior to that test. Last year Pakistan and India conducted a series of missile tests, raising fears of a heightened arms race on the sub- Asian continent.
At least 20 aftershocks have followed a powerful earthquake in northern Iran. The 6.3 magnitude quake left at least 45 people dead, many by landslides in the mountainous villages. Authorities say more than 200 people have been injured.
GRIFFIN: The Pentagon says former football star Pat Tillman was likely killed by friendly fire. Tillman quit football to join the U.S. Army's Rangers shortly after the September 11 attacks. He was killed April 22 in Afghanistan. Two other coalition soldiers injured in the same firefight. Tillman was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for heroism. We are awaiting the Army's news conference from Fort Bragg this morning on the investigation. We're going to bring that to you live when it happens.
NGUYEN: A developing story now that we are following this morning. Killing and hostage-taking in Saudi Arabia, and confirmation now that one American is among six people killed by a group of gunmen. The drama is still playing out at this hour.
And joining us live from London with the details is Caroline Faraj, editor of cnnarabic.com. What do you know so far?
CAROLINE FARAJ, EDITOR, CNNARABIC.COM: Well, yes, indeed, Betty.
We just confirmed right now from the U.S. embassy in Riyadh that one of the victims, he's American national, and they did not also rule out that maybe some of the hostages or even some of the people who are still, you know, missing in the area could be also Americans.
As you just mentioned, still the shooting is taking place, and there are some reports coming from Khobar that the U.S., the Saudi forces are storming the compound, that they believe that the militants, they're taking some hostages from different nationalities. No clear numbers, no nationalities are still known to us, and we're still waiting to hear from the Saudi, Betty.
NGUYEN: What's being done right now to try to get those hostages released?
FARAJ: They're basically trying to negotiate, in a way, but they're -- the Saudis are saying that they're not really going to negotiate fully with them, and they're seeking, they're asking them and calling on them to release the hostages, and also to surrender. So they're trying to make sure that this is going to happen, that, and everybody will be released safe.
However, they also blocked the whole area, they surrounded the whole area, and they are blocking it from anybody to go in or outside the compound. And they're also preparing themselves for all possibilities, because eyewitnesses are confirming to us, Betty, that ambulances are there, and everybody is waiting to hear something.
As on the other hand, the storming, everybody is saying that they can hear it, because the journalists and the locals are -- were asked to go away and to be far away from the location. So nobody is able to confirm that they saw the storming of this compound, but they said that they managed to hear it.
NGUYEN: Of course, this is a developing story that we will continue to follow closely. Caroline Faraj in London this morning, thank you.
Attorney General John Ashcroft and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge say their agencies are working hand in hand. On Wednesday, they offered some conflicting assessments of the potential for a major terrorist attack on U.S. soil as early as this summer. Now, Ashcroft and Ridge have released this joint statement.
Quoting here, "We are entering a season of symbolic events that could be attractive targets for terrorism. In the months to come, we will hold significant national celebrations, host important international meetings, and conduct our democratic political process leading to our elections. Credible intelligence from multiple sources indicates that al Qaeda plans to attempt an attack on the United States during this period."
GRIFFIN: Now the latest in Iraq, where there's been more bloodshed and fighting today in Kirkuk, unknown assailants shooting and killing the fire chief there and three of his family members. Meanwhile, a shaky truce is in place, but fighting continues in Najaf.
Our Harris Whitbeck is live in Baghdad with details on all of this. Harris?
HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Drew.
A day after the name of the man who will become Iraq's new interim prime minister was announced, a lot of concerns on the job that he and his fellow cabinet members will face, security being one of the top concerns.
And residents of the Iraqi capital were reminded of that this morning when two mortars went off near the green zone at the ministry of housing and construction. That was near the Assassins Gate entrance to the green zone, which, as you know, also houses the headquarters for the Coalition Provisional Authority.
Four people were injured during that attack. Two of those injured were security guards.
Meanwhile, there was more fighting around the area surrounding the holy city of Najaf, which, as you know, has been the scene of sometimes intense fighting over the last several weeks. The fighting today comes days after a ceasefire had been put in place there, after Muqtada al-Sadr, the radical Shi'ite cleric whose militiamen had been fighting U.S. forces, pledged to withdraw his militiamen from the holy city if U.S. forces withdrew as well.
Now, the United States has said it would halt all offensive operations near Najaf, but said that it would continue to exercise its right to self-defense. Some of the heaviest fighting around that area today happened near the holy city of Kufa, which is the religious base, if you will, of Muqtada al-Sadr's, Drew.
GRIFFIN: I want to ask you about this, Harris, because one of the big question is whether Muqtada al-Sadr does have control over the gunmen who claim to be under his power. Are they concerned now that even though Sadr agrees to a ceasefire, if you will, that he has no control to stop it?
WHITBECK: Well, U.S. military officials here still are holding out hope that the ceasefire will hold, and their read on this is that it's taken a few days for the word to get out to all of the militiamen, that there is, in fact, in fact a ceasefire in effect.
But officials in Kufa, particularly today, were saying that the city itself was full of militiamen. So it is still unclear on whether the word of the ceasefire has simply not reached them, or whether, as you say, Muqtada al-Sadr does not have full control over those armed forces.
GRIFFIN: Harris Whitbeck in Baghdad this morning. Thank you for that.
We head to Washington now, where a grateful nation says thank you to the heroes of World War II, the declaration of this new memorial on the National Mall.
Our Elaine Quijano joins us live with more on the festivities taking place there. Elaine?
ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Drew.
People are starting to trickle in here on the National Wall. Some 140,000 people are expected for this dedication ceremony.
Now, this memorial is really the culmination of 17 years of work. It began when a World War II veteran asked his Ohio congresswoman 17 years ago why there was no national World War II memorial. Well, that began what would prove to be a very long and complicated process of raising money, settling on a design, and choosing a location.
And along the way, former senator Bob Dole got involved, becoming the chairman of the national memorial. He enlisted the help of actor- director Tom Hanks.
Now, the memorial itself pays tribute to the 16 million men and women who served during World War II, as well as the civilians who made their own sacrifices here in the U.S., rationing food and supplies, all as a part of the war effort. More than 400,000 Americans were killed during World War II.
And now, some 60 years later, the aging veterans who have seen this memorial come to fruition consider themselves lucky.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) JOHN ROE, WORLD WAR II VETERAN: Well, we think it's pretty special, because of the fact that there's 1,100 of us passing away every day, and pretty soon there won't be any World War II people. Even to finally get the World War II memorial, I guess we didn't miss it. We didn't raise the devil about it ever. Nobody did for all of those years. But here, we're happy to be here. And the mere fact of being here for the dedication to us is great.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
QUIJANO: Now, President Bush, his father, and former president Clinton are all set to be on hand for the dedication ceremony. Security, as you might imagine, is extremely tight. Some 1,000 law enforcement officers are patrolling the area, as well as some undercover officers.
Now, this morning there will be an interfaith service at the National Cathedral here in Washington, D.C., that's set to take place in about an hour. And then the dedication itself is to get under way in about five hours, Drew.
GRIFFIN: Elaine, thank you. And a reminder that we will bring you live coverage of the World War II memorial dedication. It will be hosted by CNN's Paula Zahn. That's at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, 11 a.m. Pacific.
Plus, an exclusive interview with former president George Herbert Walker Bush. So keep it right here on CNN.
NGUYEN: The memorial has been a labor of love for many people, and coming up, we'll introduce you to one woman who turned her own painful loss into a passionate campaign for this monument.
GRIFFIN: And later, remembering the unknown soldiers lost in World War II. We'll look back in The Novak Zone coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning once again. I'm Rob Marciano on the CNN Weather Center. We expect an act, act, active day right in this part of the country, tornadoes likely later on today. We'll talk more about that in just a few minutes. Drew?
GRIFFIN: Thanks, Rob.
Gas prices and tempers on the rise as motorists try to cope with the costs at the pump. We're going to get a taste of the furor over fuel later on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: This is also a day to remember the families who lost loved ones in World War II. Phyllis Chickie Shields was 5 years old when she learned her father die in the South Pacific. She and members of the American World War II Orphans Network raised thousands of dollars toward construction of the memorial. Chickie Shields Berry joins us live from the National Mall.
Thanks for being with us today.
CHICKIE SHIELDS BERRY, AMERICAN WORLD WAR II ORPHANS NETWORK: Oh, thank you. It's great to be here.
NGUYEN: And what a day it is. You have raised $41,000 for this occasion. Why was it so important to you?
BERRY: Well, obviously, we needed a way to honor our fathers, and we thought this was the best way to do it.
NGUYEN: In standing there looking at it today, what kind of memories does it bring back for you?
BERRY: Well, I haven't really seen the whole memorial yet, but I'm anticipating seeing the wall of gold stars. Those stars represent the war dead, and those stars represent our fallen fathers.
NGUYEN: And those stars are, were an idea that originated from you. Correct?
BERRY: Well, no, not exactly. Our founder, Ann Mix (ph), really wanted something significant to represent our fallen fathers, and she, among others, suggested that stars be incorporated into the final design, and we're very grateful that that happened.
NGUYEN: And those stars are so symbolic. When you look at those stars, have you had a chance to see them today so far?
BERRY: No, I haven't you, and I'm sure I'll be very emotional when I see them.
NGUYEN: Absolutely. Tell us a little bit about your father.
BERRY: Well, my dad -- World War II was not his first war. He served in World War I as well. He was a very, very young man, he was only 14. And during the two wars, he was a professional musician, and then joined the National Guard. And when the Guard was called up, of course, he went with the rest of the men to the South Pacific.
NGUYEN: And being a World War II orphan, that has affected you in so many ways. You've teamed up with others. How has that group been a sense of support for you?
BERRY: Well, I think my husband, who knows me very well, would be the first to say that it's probably one of the most significant events in my life. I didn't really know much about my dad, even though I knew basically of his family, but didn't have much contact with them, and through the affiliation with American World War II Orphans Network, not only have I had a closer relationship to my father's family, but I've been able to meet some of the men that he served with, some of the band members.
And it's just been an amazing experience. NGUYEN: I imagine you've learned valuable information from them about your father.
BERRY: I have, and also through research at National Personnel Records Center and having files reconstructed. I have learned, basically, the details of his death, his service and his death, and although difficult to hear, it's better knowing than not knowing, or just guessing.
NGUYEN: Absolutely. Chicky Shields Berry, we thank you for your time today.
BERRY: Well, thank you very much. I appreciate it.
NGUYEN: We want to go now -- Sure.
To Drew at the desk with some latest on Pat Tillman.
GRIFFIN: Actually, right to a news conference in Fort Bragg on Pat Tillman and his death, now being attributed to friendly fire.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: -- as a result of friendly fire while his unit was engaged in combat with enemy forces.
The results of this investigation in no way diminish the bravery and sacrifice displayed by Corporal Tillman. Corporal Tillman was shot and killed while responding to enemy fire without regard to his own safety. He focused his efforts on the elimination of enemy forces and the protection of his team members.
There is an inherent danger of confusion in any firefight, particularly when a unit is ambushed, and especially under difficult light and terrain conditions, which produce an environment that increases the likelihood of fratricide.
Corporal Tillman's platoon was ambushed with small arms and mortar fire at about 7:30 p.m. local time while conducting combat operations in the vicinity of Kalst (ph), Afghanistan. The enemy ambush was immediately responded to by a coalition patrol, including Corporal Tillman, with direct fire, and an intense firefight lasting approximately 20 minutes ensued.
The ambush was conducted by 10 to 12 enemy personnel from multiple locations over approximately 1 kilometer in very severe and constricted terrain with impaired light conditions.
Following initial contact, Corporal Tillman disembarked from his vehicle and, in support of his unit, moved into position to suppress enemy fire.
We regret the loss of life resulting from this tragic incident. Our thoughts and our prayers remain with the Tillman family.
Thank you for being here this morning.
GRIFFIN: It's a live news conference from Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Pat Tillman, April 22, died in Afghanistan, and now we are learning this morning that his death is being attributed to being shot by one of his own in a confusing firefight after an ambush.
Now we go to the West Point, the U.S. military academy, where Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld will give the commencement address to the graduates of the military academy this year.
(INTERRUPTED BY A LIVE EVENT)
NGUYEN: Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld speaking to some 935 cadets at West Point who are graduating today. He did speak of America's resolve to win the war on terror, but he did not mention the prisoner abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib. We understand of these cadets, 80 percent of them will be headed for duty overseas. They are the newest second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.
GRIFFIN: We'll be right back after this.
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NGUYEN: On this Memorial Day weekend, President Bush will speak to the men and women who served in World War II. That will happen this afternoon at the dedication of the World War II memorial.
CNN's Frank Buckley joins us now with more on the president's day. Hi, Frank.
FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Betty.
In fact, two President Bushes will appear at the dedication ceremony today, the current sitting president, the 43rd president of the United States, President George W. Bush, and the 41st president, George H.W. Bush, his father, will also be present at the dedication ceremony, according to the White House.
The former president, of course, is a World War II veteran himself. He flew 58 combat missions, was shot down in the Pacific theater ultimately.
The current president will offer remarks at the dedication ceremony today. He's expected to pay tribute to those who died and all of the 16 million people who served. He'll also talk about how the attack on Pearl Harbor changed the United States.
The White House also releases a radio address from the president today. It will also talk about the World War II memorial and the generation who fought World War II, along with touching on the new generation of people serving in combat zones today.
Tomorrow the president will go with Mrs. Bush to the Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns, as the nation marks Memorial Day, Betty.
NGUYEN: A weekend honoring so many veterans. All right, Frank Buckley at the White House today, thank you. GRIFFIN: Many people will visit Arlington National Cemetery this Memorial Day weekend. Sergeant First Class Richard Schuck is the sergeant of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and he takes time out to join CNN's Bob Novak in The Novak Zone.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Forward march!
ROBERT NOVAK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Welcome to The Novak Zone. We're at the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, near the Tomb of the Unknowns.
We're talking to the sergeant of the guard of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, the Old Guard, Sergeant First Class Richard Schuck of Madison, Ohio.
First, some basic questions, Sergeant Schuck. What is the mission ever the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment?
SGT. FIRST CLASS RICHARD SCHUCK, U.S. ARMY: The mission of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment is to perform ceremonial missions, to support anything that the military might need us to do at a moment's notice here in the national capital region for deploy soldiers and support of any missions that are going on in the world.
NOVAK: And this includes, of course, guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns. Tell us a little bit about this. This was started in 1921?
SCHUCK: We guard the unknowns here. It's a symbolic. The tomb is symbolic to soldiers that have died in war. There's been four identified soldiers who've been placed in the tomb or crypts. There is three identified remains that remain there at this time.
My soldiers maintain constant vigil over this national shrine, 365 days a year, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
NOVAK: How often is the guard changed here?
SCHUCK: Currently, during the summer and fall, we change the guard every 30 minutes. In the winter, we change the guard every hour.
NOVAK: Now, sergeant, at Buckingham Palace, there's a tradition that the guards there, with their high headdresses, very stiff, that the tourists try to get them to smile or laugh, make faces at them. Do you have any of that experience with the tourists here at Arlington Cemetery?
SCHUCK: Yes. That does happen here. Some of the children are just uneducated and don't know that the sentinels will not talk to them. Matter of fact, a few days ago some of the children were trying to kick cicadas out on the plaza to try to taunt some of the sentinels that were guarding the unknowns.
NOVAK: Do you get a lot of tourists on Memorial Day weekend, is that a big time?
SCHUCK: Definitely. The influx of visitors around Memorial Day weekend, it's definitely increased. A lot of veterans, a lot of school groups. As you know, the World War II memorial is being dedicated this weekend, so it's bringing a lot of World War II veterans to the area.
NOVAK: Sergeant, every year you have a ceremony called Flags In. What is that? Can you explain that to us?
SCHUCK: Mr. Novak, Flags In is something that has been performed here in Arlington Cemetery since 1948. The Thursday prior to Memorial Day every year, there is a flag placed, one foot-length away from the headstone of every soldier who is laid to rest in the cemetery.
NOVAK: How many is that, sergeant?
SCHUCK: I don't know the specific number, Mr. Novak, but it's somewhere around 290,000.
NOVAK: Now what are the requirements to be a member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment of the Old Guard?
SCHUCK: Some of the requirements to be a member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry are, you must be an infantryman or work in a MOS that is -- supports regiment. You must volunteer. You must be approximately five-10 or above, and you must be willing to go the extra mile to serve here in the 3rd U.S. Infantry.
NOVAK: Last year there was a severe hurricane, Isabel, and there was some question about whether the guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns would remain. Can you tell us about that?
SCHUCK: I can't tell you a lot about what happened during Hurricane Isabel. I wasn't actually assigned down here there. I've read a lot and inquired about kind of what happened. And the only thing I really know is, I know the sentinels down here would never leave their post.
NOVAK: Now matter how bad the...
SCHUCK: No matter how bad the conditions are. They have special and general orders, and they will abide by them.
NOVAK: Now, can the, sergeant, can the members of the U.S. Infantry, 3rd U.S. Infantry, be assigned to overseas duty or combat duty?
SCHUCK: Yes, sir. We are here to support the ceremonial missions in the national capital region. And we also are here to support the global war on terrorism.
NOVAK: Are there any members of your unit serving overseas at the present time?
SCHUCK: Yes. We have approximately a company-size element that is supporting the global war on terrorism.
NOVAK: And now, the big question for Sergeant First Class Richard Schuck.
Sergeant, there has been reports of a crack that is growing yearly in the Tomb of the Unknowns. Can you tell us what's being done about that?
SCHUCK: Yes, Mr. Novak. There is a crack that runs around the -- 360 degrees around the tomb. The same company that produced what you see to your front is -- they are looking for a same identical piece to replace the tomb in the future.
NOVAK: Sergeant Richard Schuck, thank you very much.
SCHUCK: Thank you, Mr. Novak.
NOVAK: And thank you for being in The Novak Zone. Happy Memorial Day weekend.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: "ON THE STORY" is coming up next. We want to get a preview now of what's ahead with Dana Bash in Washington. Good morning.
DANA BASH, "ON THE STORY": Good morning, Betty.
We're "ON THE STORY" from here in Washington, to New York, to Los Angeles. Elaine Quijano is down at the World War II memorial, and can tell us what's happening there, and at a special service at the National Cathedral. Barbara Starr has the latest on Iraq. I'll be talking about the president working hard to explain his Iraq strategy and reaching out again to other countries. And entertainment correspondent Sibila Vargas talks about the blockbuster of the weekend, "The Day After Tomorrow."
That's all coming up "ON THE STORY," Betty.
NGUYEN: Looking forward to it. All right, thank you, Dana.
GRIFFIN: Let's take a quick look at weather with Rob Marciano. The weather's been good so far in Washington, D.C., Rob.
MARCIANO: Yes, it should be a beautiful day today and tomorrow as well. Much of the Northeast looking really nice. Cool, and blue sky, little bit of a breeze in spots today, especially, say, in Boston.
Also nice on the West Coast. In between, though, tornadoes are going to be heading in through the Plains, and I think today's going to be a very, very busy day, in the afternoon especially.
Warm and humid across the South. I mentioned the cool and breezy conditions across the Northeast. There were a few thunderstorms that fired up overnight, some of which have been severe across parts of northern Iowa. Thankfully, now they're pushing into southern Wisconsin. But these contain heavy rain and gusty winds. They don't need any more rain in Iowa, and unfortunately there'll probably be more thunderstorms that fire up in that part of the world later on this afternoon.
Couple of showers from, say, Montgomery, Alabama, into Atlanta. Shouldn't see a whole lot of action across the Southeast. Most of it's going to be across this area. We do have warm, humid air coming in from the South and the Gulf of Mexico, dry air from Mexico itself, cold, dry air coming down from the intermountains, and the Canadian provinces, and then a strong jet stream.
So this area, from just north of Dallas, through Oklahoma City, in through Kansas City, is where we'll probably see thunderstorms develop with tornadoes, which could be some strong ones, much like we saw earlier in the week. We could see as many as 60, 70, maybe even 80 tornadoes break out later on today. So we'll be active.
Back to you guys in the studio.
NGUYEN: Kind of a dicey day out there. All right. Thank you, Rob.
MARCIANO: Yes.
GRIFFIN: We're going to check on our update our top stories this morning.
Just minutes ago, the Army announcing that friendly fire likely killed former pro football player Pat Tillman. Tillman killed during an ambush in Afghanistan. That was in April.
There's late word this morning that an American is among the six people killed in a shooting rampage in Saudi Arabia. Gunmen attacked an oil company compound in the eastern city of Khobar. The attackers are now barricaded in that compound with an unspecified number of hostages. Some of them could be Americans.
NGUYEN: There is plenty more ahead here on CNN. Up next, it's "ON THE STORY." At 11:00, "PEOPLE IN THE NEWS" profiles Academy Award winner actor Tom Hanks, and one of the world's most famous preachers, Billy Graham. At noon Eastern, "CNN LIVE SATURDAY" with more on today's dedication of the World War II memorial from Washington, D.C.
GRIFFIN: Thanks for joining us. We hope you have a pleasant Saturday, and we'll see you back here again tomorrow.
NGUYEN: "ON THE STORY" is next.
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